First year law student Review

The insight programme has given me a great insight into the life of a lawyer working in a large commercial law firm. In comparison to other firms I have had work experience with prior to DLA, I feel like at DLA, each day I have went home equipped with new knowledge, and a feeling that I have actually learnt something that will help me with my future career. Whether that is in relation to a specific area of law or in relation to the practicality of working at a firm. DLA clearly put a lot of effort into making this insight day fun, enjoyable, engaging, but also very educational.

I felt valued and comfortable for the complete time of the progamme by members of staff. It is rather daunting to enter such a large and well established firm, however from the moment I stepped in the door I was made to feel welcome by [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions], and all of the other members of staff. The staff were always very encouraging towards each student engaging them to participate in discussions and when answering questions.

I receieved lots of guidance and support from the staff, who were always willing to answer any questions we had and always made sure everybody knew that there was no such thing as a "silly question". Also, during the presentation session in front of the partners, [This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions] ensured everbody that was presenting felt comfortable by smiling and nodding her head to reassure those who felt nervous.

I think this programme has been very informative in regards to a practical approach to a legal career. For example, the "Deal Spotlight" session that was organised and hosted by the trainees, has sparked an even deeper interest in the area of corporate law and it was exciting to get involved in an activity that required thinking, organisation skills and team work, all skills that I believe are essential to becoming a great lawyer. Similarly, I enjoyed the Group Project session, a project spread over the three days, researching upon a particular sector of DLA and then presenting this to a partner and a member of the graduate team. I also enjoyed the team work element of this, as I think team work is vital when producing a group presentation - communication is key. It was fun to spend time with my group researching, drafting our arguments, and then when we practised our presentation together. All of our team mates were very encouraging and reassuring to one another which was nice.

I think the insight programme was very well structured, I was surpised when I found out that it was the first year DLA have conducted a programme like this. This is because every presentation and acitivity was on time and was delivered in a very professional, but also fun manner, which kept every student engaged.

The atmosphere at DLA was very nice. Although a well established firm, I felt completely comfortable during the entire programme. All members of staff were very smily and relaxed, and always made sure that everybody was comfortable. Similarly, my fellow colleagues were also very friendly and welcoming, in which I have made friends. I got the sense that all employees at DLA are friends which I think is lovely, and essential to a working environment, especially when considering the long hours lawyers have to work! The session talking to the trainees was very informative and I appreciate the advice and tips that they gave to me.

This scheme gave me a great insight into the daily life of a corporate lawyer. It was interesting to hear from a variety of different partners, all from differet departments/sectors of law, which I believe is necessary for students to make a better judgment on which areas of law they could picture themselves working in. I was particularly engaged by This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions talk, me and my colleagues found him to be very engaging and funny, and the same can be said about This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions.

From my three days at DLA I think there is a fairly relaxed work culture, but nevertheless employees remain extremely professional. With DLA's high position in the legal field you could expect employees to be rather reserved and uptight, however this was definitely not the case. The employees (including all of the partners, This section of the comment has been removed by a member of the RateMyPlacement Team because it did not meet our site terms and conditions) were extremely helpful and friendly and it was evident that their only intention was to make all of the students feel completely comfortable.

Due to the quality of the three days I spent at DLA, my goal to work as a lawyer in a city firm has been nothing but reaffirmed. Because of the efforts that were taken to organise the three insight days, the programme covered every aspect of uncertainty I had prior, and I would definitely love to pursue a career at DLA.

I was not paid for the three days spent at DLA Piper, because I am a first year student this is not something I'd expect. I am right at the beginning of my legal career so unable to do any practical work for the firm so would not expect remuneration for work experience of this nature. DLA reimbursed all transport and accomodation expenses for everybody, including a three night hotel stay for individuals that live outside of London. DLA also took the students out for a dinner at an Italian restaurant in central London.

There were two networking lunches and two networking dinners organised by DLA over the three days with fellow students, trainee solicitors, and future trainee solicitors. It was nice to have a chat with the trainees over food and drink in an informal manner. I asked questions about interviews, DLA application processes, training contract seats, work experience and much more. I feel like I left the firm firstly, with a lot more knowledge and secondly, meeting a lot of new people.

I would recommend this insight programme to anybody early on in their legal career who are unsure whether to pursue a career in a large commercial city firm. The programme was very informative and gave a great insight into the daily working life of trainees, associates, partners, and even managin partners.